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JAPAN: Tokyo/ Ginza (Vampire Cafe)

The Ginza district in Tokyo is a popular upscale shopping area filled with numerous internationally renowned department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses. In fact, it is recognized internationally as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike. Unlike another popular destination in Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ginza is not known for its themed restaurants and cafes. However, there is one themed restaurant I am aware of where people have been dying to go!

I am referring to the Vampire Café located on the seventh floor of the La Paix Building which has been drawing patrons for over a decade. As you exit the elevator, your spine will tingle as you enter the realm of the night crawlers. The interior of the restaurant is dimly lit and the décor is black and blood red throughout. The floor of the hallway leading from the entrance is painted with blood plasma cells. There is Baroque music piped in and the walls and interior are covered with crucifixes, spiders, skulls and candelabras. Even Dracula’s coffin is prominently placed within the restaurant. Tables are divided by curtains and restaurant staff are summoned by the ringing of the bell. The host resembles The Count himself and the female servers are dressed as Vampire Maids whereas the male servers are outfitted in tuxedos.

VIP Seating

The entrees and the drinks are all vampire themed albeit a bit on the pricey side for what you get, but then again, this is Ginza. The fare offered is a mix of French, Italian and Japanese cuisines. An average course will run you between ¥3,000 to ¥4,000. A night out at the Vampire Café for two people can easily exceed ¥10,000. Some of the courses come with all you can drink options available for a set number of hours. It is a great opportunity to try drinks like the Iron Maiden: The Virgin’s Fresh Blood or the Dracula: The Count’s Power. If you choose, you can also order food a la carte. The only downside for foreigners visiting the café is that the menu is in Japanese only.

All in all, it is one of those unique experiences that you will want to live through at least once in your lifetime. The clientele are generally people celebrating a special occasion or those seeking a unique date night destination. The Vampire Café is open between the hours of 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM.